SCENE XII.
Enter Rodorigo.
How now, Rodorigo?
Rod.
I do not find that thou deal'st justly with me.
Jago.
What in the contrary?
Rod.
Every day thou doft'st me with some devise Jago, and rather,
as it seems to me now, keep'st from me all conveniency,
-- 567 --
than suppliest me with the least advantage of hope. I will indeed
no longer endure it. Nor am I yet perswaded to put up in peace
what already I have foolishly suffer'd.
Jago.
Will you hear me, Rodorigo?
Rod.
I have heard too much; and your words and performances
are no kin together.
Jago.
You charge me most unjustly.
Rod.
With nought but truth: I have wasted my self out of
my means. The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona,
would half have corrupted a Votarist. You have told
me she hath receiv'd them, and return'd me expectations and
comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.
Jago.
Well, go to; very well.
Rod.
Very well, go to; I cannot go to, man, nor 'tis not very
well; nay, I think it is scurvy; and begin to find my self
fob'd in it.
Jago.
Very well.
Rod.
I tell you, 'tis not very well. I will make my self known to
Desdemona: If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my
suit, and repent my unlawful solicitation: if not, assure your self
I will seek satisfaction of you.
Jago.
You have said now.
Rod.
Ay, and said nothing but what I protest intendment of
doing.
Jago.
Why, now I see there's mettle in thee; and even from
this instant do I build on thee a better opinion than ever before.
Give me thy hand, Rodorigo, thou hast taken against me a most
just exception; but I protest I have dealt most directly in thy
affair.
Rod.
It hath not appear'd.
Jago.
I grant indeed it hath not appear'd; and your suspicion
is not without wit and judgment. But, Rodorigo, if thou hast
that in thee indeed, which I have greater reason to believe now
-- 568 --
than ever (I mean, purpose, courage, and valour) this night shew
it. If thou the next night following enjoy not Desdemona, take
me from this world with treachery, and devise engines for my
life.
Rod.
Well; what is it? is it within reason and compass?
Jago.
Sir, there is especial commission come from Venice to
depute Cassio in Othello's place.
Rod.
Is that true? why then Othello and Desdemona return again
to Venice.
Jago.
Oh no; he goes into Mauritania, and taketh away
with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingred here
by some accident. Wherein none can be so determinate, as the
removing of Cassio.
Rod.
How do you mean removing him?
Jago.
Why, by making him uncapable of Othello's place;
knocking out his brains.
Rod.
And that you would have me to do?
Jago.
Ay, if you dare do your self a profit, and a right. He
sups to-night with a harlot; and thither will I go to him. He
knows not yet of his honourable fortune; if you will watch his
going thence (which I will fashion to fall out between twelve and
one) you may take him at your pleasure. I will be near to second
your attempt, and he shall fall between us. Come, stand
not amaz'd at it, but go along with me; I will shew you such a
necessity in his death, that you shall think your self bound to put
it on him. It is now high supper-time; and the night grows to
waste. About it.
Rod.
I will hear further reason for this.
Jago.
And you shall be satisfied.
[Exeunt.
-- 569 --
George Sewell [1723–5], The works of Shakespear in six [seven] volumes. Collated and Corrected by the former Editions, By Mr. Pope ([Vol. 7] Printed by J. Darby, for A. Bettesworth [and] F. Fayram [etc.], London) [word count] [S11101].